How do salaries of elementary and middle school principals compare with those of other administrators and classroom teachers? Are increases in salaries of principals keeping pace with increases in salaries of classroom teachers? How have principals' salaries fared over the years when the cost of living is taken into account? There are reliable data to provide answers to these questions. The data come from the National Survey of Salaries and Wages in Public Schools, conducted annually since 1973 by Educational Research Service (ERS). Each year, local school districts throughout the nation report salary and wage data to ERS for 34 professional and support positions. For the school year 2008-2009, 862 school districts reported data. They comprise a sample of large, medium, small, and very small school districts selected by ERS to represent school districts across the nation. For elementary and middle school principals, the data show how compensation in their districts compares with a wide range of averages for principals, teachers, and other positions, as well as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. (Contains 4 tables, 1 chart, and 1 note.)